Method and Apparatus for Improved Manual Operations

ABSTRACT

The present invention can provide a glove system that mounts with a user&#39;s hand and facilitates efficient hand-actuated repetitive motions, such as sanding. A tool element removeably mounts with a glove, and provides for easy tool changes, while the mounting allows force to be transmitted from the hand to the tool without continued gripping or pinching by the user. Actions such as sanding can be accomplished with more force, and less user fatigue.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This invention claims priority to U.S. application 61/834,365, filed Jun. 12, 2013, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of manual operations, and more specifically to devices removably mounted with a hand providing for efficient integration of the hand with a tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tasks such as sanding generally require that a worker hold a sanding element such as a piece of sandpaper. The worker moves the sandpaper in repetitive motions, while adjusting the pressure and angle of the sanding element continuously, using the many muscles that control the hand. Fatigue and error are common as the muscles tire and cramp.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,471,681, “Glove having a hook for steadily holding a container,” describes a method and apparatus for steadily holding a container with reduced stress to the thumb, hand, and wrist are disclosed. The container has a bottom, a side and a bale handle downwardly pivotable against the side. The apparatus includes engaging means, releasably engagable with the bale handle of the container when the bale handle is downwardly pivoted toward the container's side, for stabilizing the container relative to a palm of the hand when the container is held with the fingers of the same hand against the bottom of the container; and means for securing the engaging means about the palm of the hand in a fixed position generally adjacent to the palm of the hand. The securing means includes a first and a second surface which form a hand compartment, like a glove's, for a hand to slide within. The engaging means includes a base and an extension with a hook on its distal end for releasably engaging the bale handle. A wrist strap is also provided to adjust the hand compartment and support the user's wrist. The method of the present invention includes donning the glove about the hand and tightening it with provided support means. The method further includes supporting the container from its bottom with the fingers and engaging the engaging means to the bale handle. The container is thus steadily supported without needing the thumb of the hand. The hook is fixedly mounted with a glove, and provides only for assist in lifting and holding a container.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,256,098, “Hand Sanding and Rubbing Block,” describes a form or block that comprises a platform 1 of relatively thin and flexible rubber, synthetic rubber or other suitable material having some flexibility. The platform should be sufficiently think and firm not to yield under fingers and to provide a relatively firm, unyielding sanding or abrading surface, but at the same time should be sufficiently flexible and resilient to cushion the hand and fingers and conform to an uneven, curved or contoured surface. The worker's fingers must still control the pressure and angle of the sanding block, and hold the block securely relative to the hand.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,133,233, “Bottle opener glove,” describes a Bottle opening tool having bottle cap-engaging hook and end fulcrum bar, each secured to a rigid back plate, is incorporated into the palm of a glove. Back plate is shaped to conform to the shape of the palm of the wearer's hand. Bottle cap is removed by back of user's hand applying lifting force to glove. Entire bottle opening tool member fits within palm of glove, thereby leaving fingers unrestricted to movement both while opening bottles and when not being used to open bottles. The bottle opener is fixedly mounted with the glove, and is configured only to engage and open a bottle cap.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,401,253, “Worker's aid system and modified glove,” describes a glove body having fingers, a palm and a back. A hook-and-loop fastening system mounts a worker's aid device on the glove back. The device is one or more devices selected from the group consisting of a magnetic container, a flashlight, a tape measure, a plumb bob, and a note pad. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic container is a cylindrical cup having a magnet for securing screws, nut, bolts and other magnetizable fasteners within the cup for ready access by the worker. Several different devices can be stacked on the glove back. The devices can also be mounted on the butt end of a drill handle. The glove mounts devices only on the back of the hand, such that the palm is left free for other work.

US20040148675, “Utility glove,” describes a glove-like interface for use in protecting a user's hand during utility tasks comprising a body having a plurality of finger members extending therefrom; and resilient hand support means for securing the glove to a hand, wherein said resilient hand support means comprises both finger support means and palm support means for respectively securing the glove to the fingers and palm of a user's hand. The features accommodating mounting of the glove to a hand are described in detail.

EP0910294, “Fingertip-Mounted Minimally Invasive Surgical Instruments,” describes invasive surgical instruments. More particularly it relates to a finger mount having an attachment mechanism to which such an instrument may be attached.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,276,235, “Wearable wipe unit,” describes a wearable wipe unit having one or more absorbent members attachable to, and removable from, a retaining member, or each other. The retaining member has a mouth which attaches to a user's waist band or belt. One or more absorbent members may have a storage unit for securely holding a user's personal effects. The bottoms of the front and back sides of the retaining member are angled forward for ease of attachment.

EP1813397, “Cutting Tool,” describes a cutting tool comprising a support member configured to be worn on a digit of a user and a blade member carried by and retractable into the support member wherein the blade member is retractable between an operating and a non operating position.

US20100005562, “Magnetic Nail For Use On A Glove And Manufacturing Method Thereof,” describes a magnetic nail for a glove that is fixed or detachably attached onto a finger of a glove so as to make it easy to pick up a small, metallic object such as a needle, a nut, a bolt, a screw, a clip, a pin, or the like using magnetism, and so as to make it easy to pick up a flat, non-metallic object using the functionality of the nail, thereby considerably improving the functionality and workability of the glove.

US20130072330, “Direct Contact Racquet,” describes an apparatus that allows attaching a player's hand to a direct contact racquet. In this embodiment, a player's hand may be partially enclose in a glove 2900 with or without fingers. In addition, the gripping surface 106 may comprise loops or straps for the fingers of the player's hand and the wrist of the player.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,593,803, “Gardener's Glove,” describes a gardener's glove formed of a thin, flexible tough material having finger members and an elongated sleeve. Tool elements are associated with one or more finger members and may be formed integral therewith or otherwise secured thereto. The tool elements extend beyond the tips of the finger members and are curved away therefrom toward the palm to form work engaging portions. Tool means in the form of claws can be provided adjacent the ends of the tool elements remote from the work engaging portions.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,441,355, “Scrubber device with waterproof mitt,” describes a mitt of latex material includes a pad of cleaning media covering the palm and inner finger area of a user's hand, and at least one strip of cleaning media covering the back of the user's hand extending across at least some of the user's fingers.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,758, “Tool holding apparatus for persons with limited use of hands,” describes an apparatus to assist in gripping a hand-held tool that comprises a substantially rigid engaging portion for removably clipping the apparatus to an arm. The engaging portion has a base member and an arcuate member and a linear member to simultaneously engage a portion of the arm. The arcuate member has a first end extending essentially perpendicularly therefrom and is adjustably connected to the base member. A first end of the linear member extends upwardly from an opposite end of the base member. The arcuate member and the linear member are in an essentially parallel relationship along their entire extents. The linear member further has a free second end. A tool receiving portion includes a pair of outwardly extending side walls, an open bottom end and an open top end and is integrally formed with the linear member of the engaging portion so that the tool receiving portion remains in a coplanar relationship with the first linear member of the engaging portion. A means for securing the tool to the tool receiving portion includes an elastic band.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,266,719, “Strap Glove,” describes a glove made from narrow strap material. Glove advantages when used with a striking tool: improved control, improved striking force, improved tool head acceleration, improved energy transfer, reduced hand fatigue, improved grip, and reduced vibration shock. It can be configured for 1, 2, 3 or 4 fingers plus the thumb. The glove forms a web between the thumb and fingers. The width of the web and the tightness of fit on the thumb and fingers is controlled by a single pull-tab type of adjustment. The adjustment is secured by a contact friction loop which increases in friction during impact force use. The glove can be worn on a bare hand or over the top of a more conventional type of glove while still providing the same advantages.

There remains a need for a hand-mounted apparatus that can conveniently mount an abrasive or other working material, securely enough to facilitate repetitive motion without significant exertion by the muscles of the hand, yet in a manner that allows easy removal and replacement of the working material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, describe the invention. In the drawings, like elements are referred to by like numbers.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example tool block.

FIG. 3 provides schematic illustrations of two example tool blocks according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 provides schematic illustrations of two additional example tool blocks according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 provides schematic illustrations of an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a snap spring mounting feature suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of finger-based mounting features suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a male snap feature suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a female snap housing suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a snap face/female suitable for use with the present invention.

FIG. 13 provides schematic illustrations of other example mounting features suitable for use with the present invention.

FIGS. 14-17 provide schematic illustrations of example embodiments of the present invention.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The description herein refers to a “glove,” and by that term refers to any apparatus or system that mounts with a user's hand such that the glove moves with the hand and does not require significant exertion by the muscles of the user's hand to maintain the mounting with the glove. Examples of “gloves” as contemplated herein include hand coverings with five fully enclosed fingers, mittens or other hand coverings that accommodate multiple fingers within one portion of the glove, open web structures that extend wholly or partially around a hand, hand coverings that mount with the palm and back of the hand but do not cover any of the fingers, hand coverings that enclose or mount with fewer than all of the fingers, and systems comprising a palm pad and/or fingertip pads mounted with the hand by straps that extend around a finger or the back of the hand.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of an example embodiment of the present invention. A glove 100 is shown in the figure as comprising a flexible material substantially conforming to the shape of a hand; other configurations can also be suitable as discussed above. The glove can comprise various materials, such as cloth or leather. The tips of the glove can comprise a more durable material such as plastic. The glove can comprise adjustable features, such a wrist portion, that facilitate firm engagement with the hand. A patch 101 mounts with the glove 100. A mounting feature 102 mounts with the patch 101. Mounting feature 102 can mount directly with glove 100, as an alternative. The mountings between glove 100 and mounting feature 102 are substantially firm, such that motion of the hand inside the glove is translated to motion of the mounting feature in all three dimensions. Mounting feature 102 can comprise various structures that accommodate removable mounting of a tool such as an abrasive sheet or block. In the figure, mounting feature 102 comprises a slide 104 to accept a tool, with a locking end 105 and a releasable locking end 103. A tool mount 106 comprises features that engage to mounting feature 102. When engaged, the tool mounting is likewise firm, such that motion of the hand in all three dimensions is translated to similar motion of the tool block. The tool block can comprise any of a number of tools, such as sanding or cleaning tools, and including tools such as cups or eating utensils (e.g., for individuals with impaired mobility, muscle control, or coordination). The tool block can also comprise an interface to a power source, such that external power, e.g., electrical or air pressure, can be coupled to the tool block. The mounting feature generally described as on the palm or finger surface; in some applications it can be desirable to have a mounting feature on the back of the hand or glove.

In an example of operation, a tool block has mounted thereon an abrasive sheet. The tool block can comprise a conformable material such as foam to receive the abrasive sheet. The conformable material mounts with a hard backing, which is configured to engage the mounting features. The tool block, with abrasive sheet, is clipped into the mounting feature. The user can then move the hand across a surface, sanding the surface. Repetitive motion of the hand is directly translated to repetitive motion of the tool block and hence repetitive motion of the abrasive sheet. Since the mounting feature firmly retains the tool block, the user does not need to grip the abrasive sheet. Also, since force is transmitted directly to the hand and not indirectly by fingertip gripping of the sheet, larger and more consistent forces can be applied by the user. This increases the efficiency and quality of sanding, and reduces strain on the user's hand. A user can sand longer, better, and without getting weary. When the abrasive sheet becomes worn, or a different grit is desired, or a different type of conformable material is desired (e.g., less flexible, or having a specific shape or contour), the user can simply unclip the tool block from the mounting feature and clip the desired tool block/abrasive into the mounting feature. The user spends minimal time changing tools, leaving more time for productive work.

Snap clips or buttons can form suitable mounting features. Hook and loop fasteners (commonly marketed under the Velcro trademark) can form suitable mounting features. U clips like that shown in the figures can be used in connection with a housing to form suitable mounting features. A slide lock with mating male/female features can form suitable mounting features. Magnetic connections can be used to form suitable mounting features, and can be used to enhance the performance of other mounting features.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of an example tool block. A tool block 200 comprises a mounting feature 202 configured to mount with a glove as described herein. A plurality of scraper features 203 and a plurality of brush features 204 mount with the side of the block opposite the mounting feature. In operation, a user dons a glove according to the present invention, and clips into the glove a tool such as the example in the figure. Motion of the user's hand (to the left in the figure) engages the scrapers, for example to remove ice or paint from a surface. Motion of the user's hand (to the right in the figure) engages the brushes to brush away the material loosened by the first motion. Since the tool block is retained by the clip, applied force can be greater and the tool can be used for longer periods without tiring the muscles of the user's hand.

FIG. 3 provides schematic illustrations of two example tool blocks according to the present invention. Both examples comprise a mounting feature 302 suitable for engagement with a glove as described herein, with a base 303. The base can comprise an elongated hexagonal shape, as shown in the illustration on the right, to facilitate use in tight spaces. The base can be stiff, but with enough flexibility to conform to the intended surface responsive to typical pressure applied by a user's hand. The side of the base 303 opposing the mounting feature 302 in the top example comprises a plurality of stiff bristles 304. For example, the bristles 304 can comprise metal to facilitate cleaning of items such as cooking grills, or can comprise stiff hair or plastic fibers to facilitate cleaning items such as bugs from car windows or grills. A like side of the base 303 in the lower example comprises a plurality of softer protrusions 305. For example, the soft protrusions can comprise fibers suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces such as glass or painted surfaces. Use in connection with a glove as described herein can allow repetitive motion and control of the tool block, with less fatigue and greater force. Also, the glove can provide separation of the user's hand from undesirable environments such as harsh cleaning chemicals or debris from cleaning.

Gloves can be made of a variety of materials, including as examples leather, synthetic leather, polyester, spandex, nylon, neoprene, cotton, latex nitrile, rubber, cow hide, deer skin, goat skin, peccary, silk, wool, cashmere, suede, pig skin, synthetic micro fiber. Gloves can further comprise button snaps, stretch elastic, hook and loop fasteners, or other features to accommodate insertion, retention, and removal of a hand therefrom.

FIG. 4 provides schematic illustrations of two additional example tool blocks according to the present invention. Both examples comprise a mounting feature 402 suitable for engagement with a glove as described herein, with a base 403. The base 403 can be stiff to provide support desirable for working with materials such as concrete or stucco. In the top example, a stiff sponge-like material 404 is mounted with the base 403, facilitating finishing a material such as stucco. In the bottom example, a stiff blade 402, for example of metal, mounts with base 403, facilitating application of a material such as stucco.

FIG. 5 provides schematic illustrations of an example embodiment of the present invention. A glove 500 is configured to mount with a user's hand. A portion 501 of the palm of the glove 500 comprises a surface amenable to removable mounting, such as by pressure-sensitive adhesive, hook and loop fasteners, or vacuum attachment, electrostatic attachment, or magnetic attachment. Portions 502 of one or more fingertips of the glove can have similar mounting features. A block 503 comprises a material with stiffness and compliance suitable for the desired task, for example substantially stiff with local surface compliance for sanding smooth surfaces, or stiff and rigid throughout for imposing a specific contour by sanding. The block can be mounted with the glove at any of, or a plurality of, the mounting features on the glove. As examples, the block can be mounted with the palm to allow the whole hand to be used to apply pressure to and move the block; or the block can be mounted with the fingertips to allow more precise control of the block's motion. The block can itself be abrasive, or can accommodate abrasive materials or sheets to be applied. Various block shapes and configurations can be suitable, depending on the desired work. As examples, the block can have a shape with sharpened corners 504, a half-round shape 505, a rectangular or other shape with a hollow or indentation for securely engaging a finger 506, or a rectangular or other shape with a plurality of hollows or indentations for securely engaging multiple fingers.

In operation, the user can readily switch blocks and abrasive characteristics as the work progresses. The user can switch between block shapes to efficiently sand specific shapes and contours. The user can trade between different grit abrasives by merely detaching one block and attaching a block with the desired grit.

FIG. 6 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example shown in FIG. 5. The attachment features in the example in the photographs comprise hook and loop fasteners.

FIG. 7 is a photograph of a glove similar to the example shown in FIG. 1. The glove is on the right, and has a mounting feature protruding from the palm region. A tool block is on the right, and has a slot structure configured to engage the protrusion of the glove to securely, but removably, mount the tool block to the glove. On the opposite side of the tool block, an abrasive sheet is mounted. When the tool block is mounted with the glove, the abrasive sheet is facing away from the palm of the user, and the user can sand a surface simply by waving the hand over the surface. The user does not need to grasp or pinch the abrasive paper as previously required.

In use, the present invention can relieve stress from the user's fingers and the back of the hand and the wrist and forearm. The present invention can offer advantage in many activities that involve holding an object (such as a tool) for long periods of time, particularly when also involving repetitive motion such as in sanding or scrubbing. In many applications, good practice and regulation can require protective handwear; the addition of the present invention to such applications to such protective handwear can bring productivity, comfort, and health benefits. The present invention can also facilitate increased productivity and self-sufficiency for those suffering from disorders that limit mobility or strength such as arthritis. The present invention can be useful in teaching and maintain proper technique in applications such as auto body finishing and carpentry, and in allowing children and the elderly to be more effective in occupations like those described herein.

Tools can be mounted using blocks (e.g., sanding blocks) made of materials such as plastic, polyethylene terephthalate, high density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, low density polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and tritian. Soft blocks can be from materials such as rigid foam, soft foam, and rubber. Blocks and mounting features can also be made from materials such as plastics, cloth, wood, metal, aluminum, and ceramic.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of a snap spring mounting feature suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of finger-based mounting features suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of a male snap feature suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of a female snap housing suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 12 is a schematic illustration of a snap face/female suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 13 provides schematic illustrations of other example mounting features suitable for use with the present invention.

The present invention has been described as set forth herein in relation to various example embodiments and design considerations. It will be understood that the above description is merely illustrative of the applications of the principles of the present invention, the scope of which is to be determined by the claims viewed in light of the specification. Other variants and modifications of the invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A glove apparatus, comprising an element configured to mount in a substantially fixed relationship to a human hand, wherein the element comprises one or more of (a) a mounting feature held by the element in a substantially fixed relationship to the palm of the hand; and (b) a mounting feature held by the element in a substantially fixed relationship to a finger of the hand; wherein the mounting feature or features are configured to accept a tool in a removable mounting, wherein when mounted the mounting feature transmits forces from the hand to the tool in at least two dimensions substantially parallel to the surface of the hand near the corresponding mounting feature.
 2. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a flexible material configured to securely engage the palm and back of the hand.
 3. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a flexible material configured to surround the palm and back of the hand and one or more fingers of the hand.
 4. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the element comprises a clip mounting feature disposed with the element such that the clip mounting feature is positioned on the palm of the hand when the apparatus is mounted with a hand.
 5. A glove apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the mounting feature or features comprise one or more of: the hooks of a hook and loop fastener, the loops of a hook and loop fastener, a surface configured for removable mounting of pressure sensitive adhesive, a surface configured for electrostatic mounting, a surface having air passages therethrough that facilitate vacuum mounting.
 6. A system for facilitating repetitive motion tasks, comprising a glove apparatus as in claim 1, and a tool element comprising an active surface configured to perform work on a workpiece and a mounting feature opposite the active surface, wherein the mounting feature is configured to removable engage one or more mounting features on the glove apparatus.
 7. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a flexible element defining a surface configured to receive an abrasive sheet.
 8. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a metal plate suitable for application of cement products.
 9. A system as in claim 6, wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a stiff sponge suitable for smoothing of cement products.
 10. A system as in claim 6, wherein the tool element has a cross-section that extends along an axis, and wherein the mounting feature is disposed substantially parallel to the axis.
 11. A system as in 6, wherein the glove apparatus comprises a glove apparatus as in claim 4, and wherein the active surface of the tool element comprises a flexible, abrasive surface. 